NASA's New Planetary-Exploring Robot

February 6, 2009

NASA's New Planetary-Exploring Robot

Using a simple design, Axel can climb over steep and rocky terrain, even when upside down.

The Axel rover. Credit: NASA

NASA’s newest prototype exploration rover has been dubbed Axel–a
name that fits its simple design. Built with minimal complexity, the rover is designed to transverse the toughest of terrain and even rappel off cliffs. It will be equipped with cameras, wireless
communications capabilities, and sensors to operate autonomously, and a “trailing
link”, or lever, for gathering planetary materials.
However, Axel’s design, which includes a deployable tether, is intended
to be part of larger, modular robotic spacecraft that could one day explore
planets like Mars.

The rover, being
developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and researchers at the California
Institute of Technology, uses only three actuators: one to control each of its two wheels and a
third to control the lever. This allows it to operate upside down and right
side up, turn in place, and follow difficult paths. The lever has a scoop for
gathering scientific data and can adjust its two stereo cameras by as much
as 360 degrees.

Axel’s electronics and scientific payload are housed in its cylindrical body. This space also houses a
tether that can be unreeled so the rover can descend from a larger spacecraft.

Most impressive is Axel’s versatile mobility. It can use
different wheel types and sizes, from large foldable ones to inflatable ones,
allowing it to travel over steep and rocky terrain, and explore deep craters. The
diverse wheels also help it navigate rough, hard landings. The video below shows the
rover in action.

Axel is designed to be arranged in a family of configurations to
carry larger payloads:

The Axel Rover Family. Top left, Axel is stowed for flight; top right, it is in its surface mobility configuration; bottom left, two Axels carry a single payload module; bottom right, three Axels transport two payloads. Credit: NASA